United News of Bangladesh

Visually impaired runners are using AI-powered smart glasses to take part in the London Marathon, helping them navigate routes and track progress more independently. Tilly Dowler, who has Stargardt disease and only about 10 percent useful vision, is preparing to run the marathon after starting her running journey just last year. Training near Buckingham Palace, she is using AI-enabled smart glasses to assist her while running alongside her boyfriend, who acts as her guide. “They are AI-assisted,” she said. “While running, I can ask for live cues, such as what landmarks are around me and how far I have run.” The glasses provide audio feedback, allowing her to listen to instructions while still hearing her guide and music. Dowler said her goal is not about speed but to inspire others facing vision loss and difficult challenges. “I want to show people they can believe in themselves,” she said. She is among a growing number of runners using such technology. These smart glasses combine cameras, microphones and open-ear speakers, using artificial intelligence to understand surroundings and deliver real-time audio guidance. One of the most widely used versions comes from Meta, developed in partnership with brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. The devices have become increasingly popular, though they have also raised privacy concerns, including fears of recording people without their knowledge. Another runner, Sha Khan, who lost about 90 percent of his vision due to retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt disease, said the glasses have become essential in his daily life. “It’s like a part of me now,” he said. Khan also uses a guide dog provided by Guide Dogs UK and says the hands-free nature of the glasses allows him to stay focused without handling a phone. He began running in 2022 after being encouraged by the charity, following the impact of vision loss on his mental health. The glasses use a front-facing camera to capture images, which AI then processes into spoken information for the user. This helps runners understand their surroundings without losing awareness. Technology analyst Chris Lewis said such devices add an extra layer of awareness by identifying objects and movement in real time. However, he warned that large events like marathons can create challenges, such as weak mobile signals due to heavy network use, which may affect performance. Experts also stress that the technology should support, not replace, existing tools like guide dogs and mobility training. “These glasses can enhance independence, but they are not a replacement for essential skills,” said Tommy Dean of Guide Dogs UK. Analyst Ben Hatton said reliability remains a major concern. “If the technology is to be used for navigating busy streets, it must work perfectly every time,” he said. Despite limitations, experts say advances in AI are making everyday technology more accessible for people with disabilities. More than 59,000 runners are expected to join this year’s London Marathon, covering the 26.2-mile route from Greenwich to near Buckingham Palace.